Linah Alsaafin

Linah Alsaafin is a writer and editor based in the West Bank. On Twitter: @LinahAlsaafin

Palestine | Mar 5, 2014

Palestinians see Abbas as sell out in peace talks

President Mahmoud Abbas' ideas of a demilitarized Palestinian state with no sovereignty over its borders are considered by many Palestinians as humiliating concessions.

A stone throwing Palestinian hides behind a garbage bin as a tear gas canister fired by Israeli forces flies past him during clashes in the West Bank village of Birzeit, near Ramallah February 27, 2014. The clashes broke out after Israeli forces opened fire and killed a Palestinian they were seeking to arrest on Thursday, after the man had barricaded himself inside his house, Reuters witnesses said. An Israeli military statement said that Muataz Washaha, 24, had been wanted for "suspected terror activity" a

Palestine | Dec 30, 2013

Issawi’s release places individual hunger strikes in spotlight

Samer Issawi's release set off exuberant celebrations in the streets, but more importantly has refocused the spotlight on his fellow hunger strikers in prison.

Released Palestinian prisoner Samer al-Issawi gestures as he celebrates in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Issawiya December 23, 2013. Israel on Monday freed al-Issawi from jail, to complete a deal agreed earlier this year over his release in exchange for him ending a lengthy hunger strike that almost killed him. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTX16SOH

Palestine | Nov 15, 2013

Occupied Palestine marks 'Independence Day'

The Palestinian Authority still celebrates Independence Day as declared by Yasser Arafat in 1988 despite there not being an independent Palestinian state.

A Palestinian woman waves a flag during the funeral of Anas al-Atrash, 23, in the West Bank city of Hebron November 8, 2013. Israeli troops shot and killed al-Atrash who tried to stab one of them at a West Bank checkpoint on Friday, a police spokesman said, the second Palestinian fatality in the territory in a few hours. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTX155AG

Israel | Oct 22, 2013

Palestinians Protest Israeli Gentrification In Acre

Palestinian residents of Acre have protested against the Israeli government’s decision to sell an old khan to investors.

Palestine | Sep 19, 2013

Abu Mazen's Hollow Popularity

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas continues to poll well among Palestinians because of a lack of a viable alternative, not due to public affection for his rule.

"Arab Idol" Mohammed Assaf (L) kisses Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as he hands him a diplomatic Palestinian Authority passport during their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah July 1, 2013. Assaf, the 22-year-old from the Gaza Strip who won the popular pan-Arab song contest last month met Abbas on Monday before performing in Ramallah. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT POLITICS) - RTX11973

Palestine | Sep 10, 2013

Tamarod's Gaza Campaign Denounced by Fellow Activists

Palestinian activists under the name of Tamarod have distanced themselves from another Tamarod group in Gaza's calls to overthrow the Hamas government.

A man signs a "Tamarod" document at Tahrir square in Cairo May 16, 2013. A campaign named "Tamarod", meaning "Rebel", calling for the ouster of Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi and for early presidential elections has gathered over two million signatures since its launch nearly two weeks ago in Egypt, organisers said. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTXZP6G

Palestine | Aug 1, 2013

Israel Reopens Hebron Checkpoint As Gesture to Palestinians

A checkpoint near Hebron has been reopened after 12 years, but local Palestinians are skeptical of the "goodwill gesture."

Israeli soldiers and a security personnel open the gate of a check-point in the West Bank city of Hebron July 21, 2013. The Israeli government reopened a main road at the southern West Bank district of Hebron after a 12-year closure, a Palestinian Authority liaison official said. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma (WEST BANK - Tags: CIVIL UNREST TRANSPORT POLITICS MILITARY) - RTX11U38

Palestine | Jul 30, 2013

PFLP: We Won't Aggravate Tension With Abbas

The PFLP will continue to vocally oppose peace talks with Israel, but will not aggravate tensions with the Palestinian Authority following the police crackdown on July 28.